Why use Merino?

YOUR NEWBORN NEEDS MERINO 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR TO HELP WITH NIGHT-TIME SLEEPING

Merino should be used for all newborn babies 365 days of the year for night-time sleeping. In fact on those warmer nights, it works BETTER than cotton to help regulate temperature and keep your newborn baby cool. Newborn babies can not regulate temperature for up to the first 12 weeks of life - this means they might be cold even when its hot in the house. So it is really important to use merino against the skin so the merino garment can do the job for them.

Merino will draw the moisture away from your newborn delicate skin when warm and then as the temperature drops (between 3-5am) the merino will push the warmth back into the skin - so they don't wake up because they are cold. If merino hadn't been invented by nature, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was invented by magic. Unlike man-made fibres it helps draw moisture away from your baby or toddler's skin and helps them maintain a safe and comfortable temperature in all weather.

The ability to absorb moisture is an important function attribute of Merino fibre, but equally important is its ability to release moisture. In contrast to most synthetic fibres, Merino has the capacity to remove large amounts (up to 35% of its own weight) of moisture from the skin surface before the fibre even begins to feel wet. Merino can prevent the 'clamminess' that can occur in environments of high humidity.

NB: Because infants and children have a higher surface area to mass ratio than adults this makes thermal regulation particularly challenging, and choosing the right garment or sleep system for children becomes extremely important - Merino kids are happy kids!

Why is merino the healthy, safe choice for babies and children?

Bacteria and other micro-organisms can build up on the skin and in clothing/bedding, and their growth is enhanced in the presence of sweat secretions or other textile soiling. Merino outperforms competing fibres in terms of its resistance to the build-up of bacteria and odors. Therefore using merino against skin helps greatly reduce build-up of bacteria and controls odors by actively moving sweat and other moisture away from the skin.

Merino is a low fire danger fibre?

Merino fibre has flame retardant properties exceeding those of all other commonly used textile fibres and affords excellent protection to wearers in terms of preventing ignition, but also in terms of the nature in which it burns (self extinguishing, non-melting). Of course while merino is a naturally low fire danger fabric we recommend you use the 'metre from a heater' rule whenever sitting by a heat source.

My product came with a matching beanie, should I wear this for sleeping?

We love our matching beanies that come with our wraps and night-gowns, however it is not recommend to use these for overnight sleeping as this may cause over-heating. These are perfect for wearing out and about in the stroller or park.

Any ideas for heating the room through winter so I don't need more covers?

In the cooler months most homes with newborn babies heat the room to between 18-20 degrees. Ideally you want to heat the room early before baby goes to bed, and then turn the heat off. Have the heater on a timer to activate again between 3-5am, when the room will be at the lowest temperature and bring the room back up to 18/20 degrees, so it is nice and cosy to wake to in the morning...hopefully around 7am!

Why is merino important for temperature control in babies & toddlers?

Babies - Unless the nighttime temperature is 24 degrees plus, then your newborn baby will either need several layers of clothing and bedding or natural body temperature regulating fabrics like 100% pure merino. Using merino against the skin will ensure that when your baby needs the warmth (because they can't regulate it themselves), then the properties of merino will retain and circulate the body heat. Likewise, when you put your baby to bed during the day or early at night when the heat is still in the sun the merino properties will draw and release moisture away from the baby. Premature babies may also need an extra layer of clothing until their weight is more full term - merino is really the only fabric to use.

Toddlers - Like with babies merino is perfect for toddlers, especially ones who kick off there covers and blankets, then wake between 3-5am because they are cold. Our merino/cotton sleeping bags combined with merino Pajamas or sleepsuits work together to prevent this.

I have used several different types of swaddles (or wraps as you call them) over the course of my 3 children, but I just had to email you and let you know that I love your one the most. It really is so easy to use and fits for much longer than the other merino ones I had. I have finished having children now, but I will be telling anyone who needs a swaddle for a baby to buy your ones.

Sam
Auckland, New Zealand

Thank you for my sleep. I LOVE YOU! I received one of your baby merino swaddles for a baby shower gift, and finally my beautiful baby girl slept through for more than 2 hours at night. I had always wrapped her, but she always managed to get her arms and legs out and then wake up. Having the pocket thing meant she could not get her legs and feet out, then I just had to wrap her arms, and she stayed like that all night long. I will be getting a sleeping bag very soon

Liz (& Isobel)
Ellerslie, New Zealand

Just wanted to say how awesome your sleeping bags are!!! Quality make and TOUGH! I purchased the twin pack (1 winter & 1 std weight) I was a bit dubious about spending so much but has been the best product I've bought for our little girl & worth every cent! so nice to know she's snug as in her bed .... Easy to wash too. Would recommend your products over and over again.... And great they are still made in nz!!! Thanks again